Careers in Public Health

Looking for an entry level job or internship in public health? This is an overview of how to approach the search and a list of companies that might have relevant entry level and internship opportunities.

Public Health is an interdisciplinary field that aims to prevent disease and promote health in the human population. Public health professionals work to understand the stages of a disease’s spread as well as promote preventative measures and enter communities where a disease is prominent.

Because Public Health is interdisciplinary you can enter a number of fields depending on your interests; some possibilities for new and recent grads include health education, policy, communications, and research (including biostatistics and epidemiology). What you do in a typical day depends on which area of public health you enter, but you might analyze data, write a report, contact media about a health initiative, or teach a health class. Some of the top employers include public health departments, government agencies, research institutions, nonprofits, and medical facilities.

A bachelor’s degree in a field related to your interests is necessary for most jobs in public health. A master’s degree will help, but practical experience is more helpful.

National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition - National Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Coalition is an Alexandria, VA based non-profit started in response to the US Surgeon General’s conference on infant mortality.